Publications & Merchandise
Ipswich Historical Society has a range of publications for sale. At present these are available only on site, however should you wish to purchase and have a publication sent to you please contact the Society by email: ipswichhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
The Walkers of Aberdare
Price $25.00
William Morris and Rhondda
William Morris and Rhondda is a story of William Morris and his family, and the times in which they lived. William Morris was not a significant national figure but he belonged to a significant group in Ipswich’s history.
This was a group of men who, with little capital but much hard work, became successful coal mine proprietors over a period of about one hundred years, from the mid-19th to mid-20th century.
His story also carries many of the echoes which were common to thousands of settlers of nineteenth century Queensland, settlers mainly from Britain and Ireland who came looking for a better life and in return helped develop a country with a firm foundation of democracy and high living standards.
Price: $39.00
The Wrights of Tivoli
The Wrights of Tivoli tells the story of John and Elizabeth Wright, their lives and times, to the death of Elizabeth in 1920. Born in Ireland, they were like many thousands of Anglo-Celtic migrants in the nineteenth century who made their homes in Australia and helped establish that solid foundation on which our modern nation rests.
Price: $39.00
No Easy Field
There were no easy pickings from the Ipswich Coalfield. The geology, here and there, made mining barely profitable. In places, working conditions along the dark roads sapped body and spirit. Even in the good times, the field was never a money magnet. Bankers saw better returns elsewhere.
For all this, Ipswich coal underpinned the early development of Brisbane and its port and, over time, provided the core of the skilled workforce that helped build Queensland's multi-billion-dollar coal trade.
No Easy Field is an account of this long-overlooked and undervalued contribution. It is a story coaxed from the shadows. Above all, it is a story of determination and doggedness during the most difficult times.
Price: $20.00
From Lamplight to Daylight
This book is a history of the New Hope Group by Bruce Denney.
Price $20.00
Icons of Ipswich
Price: $15.95
Box Flat Remembered
This book was produced by Ipswich Historical Society members, for the 50th anniversary of the Box Flat Disaster. It is currently being updated and the next edition is planned to be available in 2025.
For a preview click here.
Currently out of stock
Looking Back
A touching story set in Ipswich Queensland in 1874.
See how research and preservation of history at the Ipswich Historical Society Museum was put to good use. Fourth generation descendant of an Ipswich pioneer family writes about her ancestors at the North Ipswich School.
Signed books are available at the Museum for sale from the author, Alex Penhaligon. This is her second book written about early Ulster Scots immigrants to the colony in the 1860s.
Price: $25.00
Boys in the Beams
It was an intriguing mystery - why were the names of boys from Ipswich Grammar School inscribed on the beams of an old shop at the top of Brisbane Street?
Many people had heard about the names but nobody seemed to know who the boys were or how the beams ended up in their present location.
The answer to the puzzle takes us back to Ipswich in the 1920s and the lives of school boys who were born more than 100 year ago.
Price: $10.00
Coal Castle and Choirs
This booklet is about the historic suburb of Blackstone in Queensland with its interesting heritage, including the significant contribution made by the Welsh coal mining families and their legacy in cultural and sports pursuits as well as with the built environment.
This booklet has been produced in an attempt to document some of the history, coal mining and cultural aspects of the suburb. This is not intended to be a comprehensive document but rather a consolidated source of information for the general public and others, also to provide inspiration and reference points for those wishing to get more information or carry out further research.
Price: $5.00
Ipswich and District Military Memorials
FROM THE AUTHOR...
During and after World War I, “The Great War of Civilisation”, the residents of Ipswich and district created many honour stones and honour boards upon which are indelibly recorded the names of those who went forth to serve their King and Country. Tragically, many were destined never to return to their homes and families. Ipswich, in comparison to many similar sized cities throughout Australia, contains a larger number of stone memorials dedicated to those who served in the Great War, 1914-1918. A study of the names on the honour stones/boards give an insight into the social fabric of Ipswich and its environs in the early part of the twentieth century. They reveal such information as: where families resided; the contribution made by various families in terms of enlistments; the honours gained on the field of battle through acts of bravery or distinguished service; the visitation of tragedy upon families with the loss of fathers, husbands, brother and sons; the religious affiliation and benevolent societies that the men belonged to; their places of employment; and the schools they attended.
It is hoped that my research may give a personal touch and add life to the many creations of sandstone, mortar, timber and copperplate that meant so much to the committees who worked tirelessly to have them manufactured as lasting memorials to Australia’s finest men and women.
Edwin Habben. 2008
Price $5.00
The Thorns of Ipswich
From the Author, Margaret Nicol:
The city of Ipswich has a proud past and was shaped by the early pioneers. George and Jane Thorn were two of these pioneers. They were the first family to arrive in Limestone (as Ipswich was called in the early days) in 1839. George became known as “The Father of Ipswich” because he had significant influence on the growth of Ipswich.
I have the privilege of having George and Jane Thorn as my ancestors and this book contains research from many sources – some official records and some stories handed down through the generations.
This publication has two parts – part 1 being George’s story and part 2 is Jane’s story.
It is more than an historical reference book – it is a story of a family growing up in a remote part of Australia and how they prospered and grew along with the city of Ipswich.
Price $10.00
The Coal Hewers from Wales DVD
The story of the Welsh community of Blackstone - Ipswich Qld.
Coal mining in the Ipswich area had a shaky beginning following its discovery in the 1820's. It was not until the I85O‘s that coal mining became a robust industry. Lewis Thomas arrived from Wales in the 1860’s and became a wealthy man known as the “Coal King”. He encouraged family and friends to emigrate from Wales to join him. This was the beginning of the Blackstone Welsh community where the dominant language was Welsh even into the 20th century.
Price: $20.00
Ipswich & Rosewood Coal Miners Memorial Opening Ceremony DVD
This memorial stands in Limestone Park, cnr Chermside and Griffiths Roads, Ipswich.
The monument commemorates the 186 miners who lost their lives while digging for coal in the Ipswich and Rosewood mines. It features two cement pylons, representing a stratigraphic image of the Ipswich and Rosewood coalfields, placed in front of a 20 metre bronze wall bearing the names of those miners lost.
The wall displays the details of each man and boy who was killed whilst working in a mine in the Ipswich Rosewood mining region. Each person is represented by a round 'torch hole' cut through the wall and their name, age, location of incident and date of passing are etched alongside. The holes are spread along the wall chronologically from left to right which results in a full depiction of the scale of lives lost during the Ipswich Rosewood coalmining era.
The DVD was taken during the Opening Ceremony of the Memorial on 17 October 2015.
Price: $20.00
Blood on the Coal DVD
Price: $20.00
Mining Elements - Harsh Lessons DVD
Price: $20.00
Ipswich Historical Society - The first 50 years
This book tells the story of the Ipswich Historical Society's first 50 years, beginning in 1966. The story is told from records held by the Society, personal memories of members past and present. and a large selection of photographs - some held in the Society's archives and some contributed by members.
Price: $5.00
Now but a Memory
Price: $20.00
Haunted Ipswich
Price:$22.00
Silver Hill
Price: $5.00
Our Karalee and Barellan Point
Price: $5.00
Make Safety their Monument CD
Price:$5.00
Souvenirs
The Ipswich Historical Society's small shop at Cooneana Heritage Centre offers a range of items at various prices suitable for keepsakes and gifts. All half the marked price at present. In person purchases only.
